HYDRAA reclaims 7 acres of govt land worth Rs 400 crore in Hyderabad’s Old City

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) on Friday reclaimed and secured seven acres of prime government land, estimated to be worth nearly Rs 400 crore in the Old City.

The action has brought relief to residents, who have long complained of illegal occupation and attempts to convert public land into private plots.

Illegal encroachment cleared

The reclaimed land is located near the railway track in Mohammad Nagar–Lalithabagh area of Kandikal village, Bandlaguda mandal (Town Survey No. 28, Block F, Ward No. 274).

The total extent of government land is 9.11 acres, of which around two acres have already been encroached upon and developed with residential structures.

Without disturbing existing houses, HYDRAA focused on protecting the remaining seven acres still under illegal occupation. Encroachers had erected iron-sheet barricades to conceal activities inside the site and continued construction despite police cases and court penalties.

Acting in the presence of revenue officials and under tight police security, HYDRAA removed the illegal barricades, cleared the land and installed permanent fencing, along with official boards declaring it as government property.

Lake and drain are buried

According to the Survey of India maps, the land originally included a lake and a natural drain (nala). However, encroachers had buried these water bodies with earth, erasing visible traces.

Officials said restoration of the lake and drain could significantly reduce flood risk in the surrounding Old City localities and improve the local environment.

Court confirmed land belongs to government

Revenue authorities had earlier registered cases at Bhavanipuram police station against alleged encroachers, including members of R Venkatesh’s family and others, who claimed ownership of the land.

Later, another individual claimed to have purchased the land and moved court.

The court, however, imposed a Rs 1 crore fine for wasting judicial time, reiterating that the land belongs to the government. Despite this, the encroachers continued litigation and attempts to sell the land as plots.

Residents welcome the action

Local residents and welfare associations welcomed HYDRAA’s swift intervention.

Representatives of the Kummariwadi Peace Welfare Society said the agency acted promptly after receiving complaints and prevented further illegal sales in a socially sensitive area involving multiple communities.

Residents expressed gratitude to HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath and urged authorities to take strict action against land grabbers. They also appealed for restoration of the lake and nala, stating it would help prevent flooding and create a healthier living environment in the Old City.